NY Times Obit: MLK Aide

 The Rev. Jesse L. Douglas Sr., who as a longtime lieutenant to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played a vital behind-the-scenes role in staging the historic civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama in 1965, has died in Charlotte, N.C. He was 90.

Jesse L. Douglas, Aide to King in Marches From Selma, Is Dead at 90

A lieutenant to Martin Luther King Jr. and a fellow preacher, he played a vital role in organizing voting-rights protests in 1965 that began with “Bloody Sunday.”

 

 

FULL NY Times story HERE. 

Saving Jackson Hospital

 “As we go forward with negotiation with the county…we need to talk about Autauga County, Elmore County and all the surrounding counties that use Jackson Hospital,” said Montgomery councilman (Cornelius) Calhoun. “Because I agree this is not a burden just for the citizens of Montgomery to bear. The county and the city of Montgomery takes on a lot, and this is just not going to be something that we go out and front and everybody uses it. It’s kind of like everybody wants to eat at the barbecue, but no one wants to bring their pig or their cow."

And I thought it was just me.....

 

Americans’ Support for Israel Dramatically Declines, Times/Siena Poll Finds

A majority of American voters now oppose sending additional economic and military aid to Israel, a stunning reversal in public opinion since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.

SOURCE: HERE 

Alabama's Divorce Rate

 

Alabama's rate is significantly higher than the national average: 9.1 for each 1,000 women. 

 

 SOURCE: https://www.wate.com/news/divorce-rates-significantly-higher-in-these-states-census-bureau-says/

The Governor

(Kay Ivey has been in statewide office since 2002. Does she accept any blame?)  

Alabama has the nation's most crowded prison system, and yet it spends the least of any state on a per-prisoner basis.^[5] In 2015 it housed more than 24,000 inmates in a system designed for 13,318.^[3] In 2015 it settled a class-action suit over physical and sexual violence against inmates at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka.^[4] The department also spends the least of any state on a per-prisoner basis.^[5] 

Awwwwwwwww How sad he must be!

 In other news: Trump campaigned hard for a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in mediating global conflicts. This morning, it went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

 

Can we give him a second place Loser award? 

WAR

 from a NY Times column

By John McWhorter

The Department of War was created by the first Congress to oversee the new nation’s military. The Truman administration changed the name to the Department of Defense in 1949, in the wake of splitting the Air Force off from the Army, and brought the two of them together with the Navy under the same umbrella. Trump asserts that since then, the American military has “never fought to win.” According to our commander in chief (who declined to go to war when he was called!), 

“We could have won every war, but we really chose to be very politically correct, or wokey, and we just fight forever.” Getting back to the old name, the theory goes, will help get us back to the old mission.

I’ll leave it to observers, or anyone merely sentient, to decide whether America’s fighting was “wokey” in Korea and Vietnam. Trump is right, however, that there’s a difference between “war” and “defense.” “War” is active; “defense” is reactive. “War” implies initiating battle; “defense” implies engaging in whatever battle is forced upon you. Given how he consistently deploys language as a tool with which to own his opponents, it’s no surprise that he favors “war.”

 

About RFK Jr.

Six surgeons general: It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr.

We took an oath to declare dangers when we found them. We’re doing that again today.

October 7, 2025 at 6:00 a.m. EDTYesterday at 6:00 a.m. EDT

 

 

...we are compelled to speak with one voice to say that the actions of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are endangering the health of the nation. Never before have we issued a joint public warning like this. But the profound, immediate and unprecedented threat that Kennedy’s policies and positions pose to the nation’s health cannot be ignored.

Despite differences in perspectives, we have always been united in an unwavering commitment to science and evidence-based public health. It is that shared principle that led us to this moment.

FULL Column in Washington Post HERE.

"Personal Statement"???

 "While (Chief James Grayboys) spoke at a news conference yesterday to address the details of the mass shooting, today he issued his own personal statement following this latest violent crime to affect the city."

OK will someone explain what Garyboys "personal statement" represents, as opposed to all of the other things he has simply "said" about the events? And if it really IS a "personal" statement, why identify him as chief???? 

WEIRD writing!!!! 

 

Fuck Kristi Noem

 From a NY Times Story:

"Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, gave the clearest indication yet that agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement would attend the Super Bowl in February, where the Latin superstar Bad Bunny is scheduled to headline the halftime show.

Asked on Friday by the right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson if there would be “ICE enforcement” at the Super Bowl, Noem replied, “There will be,” adding that federal immigration officers would be “all over” the event.

“I have the responsibility for making sure everybody goes to the Super Bowl, has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave,” Noem said on “The Benny Show.” People should not attend the event, she went on, unless they are “law-abiding Americans who love this country.”

FUCK her. 

 

Ist TV Work

 In Quang Tri Vietnam at Detachment #5 of Armed Forces Vietnam Network

Last Night's Montgomery Street Violence....

 (From The Advertiser)

"Detectives are actively pursuing leads and reviewing evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage," McGriff said. "We are urging anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be critical to helping investigators identify those responsible."

People with information can call police at 334-625-2831 or Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-7867.

 

At least 14 people were injured and two dead after a weekend shooting in downtown Montgomery, police confirmed.

An incident that Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys described as "a mass shooting event" happened about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, near the intersection of Bibb and Commerce streets.

MPD Lt. Tina McGriff said an adult woman was among those killed and that at least two juveniles were injured, one of whom suffered life-threatening injuries.

 

 

FBI Director Kash Patel announced Friday that the bureau has dissolved its partnership with the Montgomery-based Southern Poverty Law Center.

(The SPLC is better off!!)

 

 You'll be  happy to know....starting today:

 

"Defining gender

Starting Wednesday, Alabama law will officially say that sex - female or male - is fixed at birth and is exclusively based on reproductive organs, not gender identity.

Supporters said the definition will give the state the legal authority to protect women’s privacy in spaces such as such as restrooms.

The bill, sometimes called the What is a Woman Act, drew some opposition from those who said it would lead to more marginalization of transgender men and women.

The law is aligned with an executive order issued by President Trump on the first day of his new term."

 

Source: AL.COM STORY HERE 

 

Attention!

 

"They applauded, politely, at the end. But what must they have thought about the directives they received from a defense secretary whose views were shaped as a National Guard officer in Iraq 20 years ago and a commander in chief who avoided service because of a medical exemption?"

Source: column by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius 

Police Immunity

 This "police immunity" law takes effect today:

 "According to the new law: police are justified in any use of physical force “performed within the law enforcement officer’s discretionary authority” unless the officer’s actions against a person violate that person’s rights under the U.S. Constitution or the Alabama Constitution.

Under the new law, an officer charged for excessive use of force can ask for a pretrial hearing to determine if immunity applies under the new standards.

The judge would hold the hearing within 45 days of the request and issue a decision within 45 days after the hearing."

State Officials Warning:

 

“Until the state receives sufficient rainfall to alleviate the severe dry situation, especially in central Alabama, this elevated fire danger will persist for the foreseeable future,”

Oh Yea?

 FUCK YOU tRump.

Trump warns Democrats of 'irreversible' actions in government shutdown

 

Washington Post Story

 

Trump’s USAID pause stranded lifesaving drugs. Children died waiting.

Antimalarial and HIV supplies valued at nearly $140 million were delayed in the first half of the year or not delivered at all because of the Trump administration’s foreign aid pause, The Post found.

 

Full Washington Post story HERE. 

Goodby Public Radio & TV. Thanks tRump.

 

"The corporation informed employees on Aug. 1 that the majority of staff positions would end with the close of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

A small transition team will remain through January 2026 to ensure a close of operations. The team will focus on compliance, final distributions and resolution of long-term financial obligations, including continuity for music rights and royalties, according to the CPB."

(source: HERE) 

Guns

 There have been at least 324 mass shootings – defined as when at least four people are shot, not including the shooter – in the US so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. 

A larger mass shooting happened in Montgomery on October 4th...two dead and a dozen injured.

 

 Alabama Space Flight Center expert quoted in a NY Times story about lightening:

 “We are now in the golden age of lightning measurement and research,” said Christopher Schultz, a meteorologist and lightning specialist at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

 

THIS AFTERNOON!

 

Oh GREAT...taxpayer dollars for "PRIVATE" Schools in Florida.

 “Florida Board of Education signs off on a charter school expansion” via The Associated Press — Florida’s Board of Education has approved new rules allowing charter schools, specifically “schools of hope,” to operate inside traditional public school facilities at no cost. This expansion, building on a law signed by DeSantis, requires public school districts to share their underutilized spaces — including classrooms, gyms and cafeterias — and provide services like maintenance and security to the co-located charters. Supporters argue this offers better educational opportunities for students in low-performing areas. However, public school advocates slammed the move as “parasitic,” warning it will drain critical resources from traditional schools. State Board members defended the policy, arguing that such charter programs are necessary because the public school system has failed to support its students.

Thank You Martin!

 

From Martin at The Capri!

Our vocabulary word for the day is "penultimate"

I don't think I've had a reason to use "penultimate" in the last forty years, but here it is, my penultimate newsletter for the Capri Theatre. Forty years of talking about the Capri seems to have left me with little left to say. I took a job at a theatre that was old and broke; and I'm leaving aa older theatre that is slightly better than broke, but not what anyone would consider stable. It was a theatre which had a 1940s sound system with 1950s projectors. We upgraded the sound system, we replaced the projectors, we upgraded the sound system again, and we converted to digital projection (which needs an upgrade soon), and we upgraded the sound system again. It was a theatre we rented, and were behind on rent. We had a landlord who loved the movie theatre business and wanted us to stay a theatre, and so slashed our rent to a level to which we could usually make the monthly payment. And when we lost our landlord, we had to buy the building or close. We bought the building, paid off the mortgage, and now all the problems are ours, free and clear. We were raided by the police for letting some kids (both now deceased) put on a punk rock show for other kids. We were condemned by the Governor, the Mayor, the City Council and a bunch of churches for being the only theatre in the state to show The Last Temptation of Christ (our biggest selling film until My Big Fat Greek Wedding). We've replaced the curtains twice and the screen three times. We've torn out over 160 seats and replaced another 200. We replaced the HVAC. We replaced the restrooms. We replaced the concessions stand with a real concessions stand. And this year we replaced the marquee. We still have to replace the wheelchair lift (which we installed 20 years ago), the stage(which was built a year or two before I got hear) and the roof (which was last replaced in 1991). We've shown well over a thousand movies, run hundreds of children's shows, and an uncounted number of specials, concerts, lectures, a wedding or two and anything else that may bring in some money. And when I say we, I mean all of you who donate to the Capri, become members, and come to the movies. The Capri Theatre remains open and operating because you have supported it. Take away that support, and the Capri Theatre will be gone the next morning. I'm old and tired and more than ready to turn the operation of the theatre over to others. Nonetheless, it's you who will have to support whomever replaces me as they lead the Capri through the challenges of operating a theatre in the next few years. Now, as much as ever, the Capri Theatre is going to need your support. It is going to be a rough year for everyone involved in the Capri's operation. Please give them your support.

Speaking of support, lots of thank yous since the last newsletter. The Central Alabama Community Foundation awarded us a grant to get a new public address system. If you've been to an event with speakers in the last month or so, you've heard the system in action. Thanks to Board member Chris Echols, who contributed some core equipment to the system and gave us lots of advice and direction, we were able to assemble a much more robust PA system than we've ever had before. We still have some getting-used-to involved with all of the new toys, but it is moving along fine. A big thank you to CACF and Chris Echols for making it possible. I will never miss the summer children's matinees. Yet, despite all of the noise, mess and commotion, we are still making it happen every summer. We always have a good set of volunteers and this year is no different. It's frightening to think that the kid volunteers who helped when I first arrived are in their fifties now. Decidedly not in their fifties yet are the volunteers from this summer: Zoe Cortell, Haylee Franks, Rosa Dora Roling Sklar, Jaden Smith, Thomas Tracy, Margaret Flowers, and Bennett Parker. I hope your time at the Capri was at least memorable. And the usual round of thank yous to our regular evening volunteers: Euna Lee, E. K. Daufin, and Pam Bransford. Thanks for they many years you have all put in at the Capri. We'd also like to thank Julia Lewis who has been helping with our social media, especially Instagram videos. And let's not forget volunteers who have helped on our specials: Tom Styles,Chris Ellis, Angie Dodson, Chason Marvin, Stefani Priskos, Rebecca May. If you've never been to Film Club, keep and eye on the schedule and see when they are happening. Thanks to our Film Club Hosts: Rick Harmon, Kyle Christensen, Anton Jackson, Han-'Naeh Belser. In case you somehow missed the announcements of our upcoming poster sale November 1 and 2, here's a reminder. This event takes a whole lot of work from a whole lot of volunteers. Sorting and organizing the posters before hand. Listing over 1500 titles, and coming in to help marshal the chaos at the actual sale, is more work than we force upon most volunteers. Volunteers who have helped so far include: Steve Brinkley, Debra Wright, Anton Jackson, Aline Sluis, Tamara Massey, Tom and Paula Turley. Mary Pons, Marcus Jones, Euna Lee, Jordan Steele, Marie Wise-Styles and Julie O'Bannon.  Make all of their work worthwhile, show up and buy some posters. Before I go, I have to thank the board members of the Capri Theatre current, new and all of those in the past who have helped the Capri Theatre be what it is. The Capri Board are all volunteers who give their time and effort to supporting the work of the Capri. They'll be facing an unusual, for the Capri, in the next months as the Capri gets shaken up. Wish them luck. And also thanks and good luck to Anton Jackson, who is the current president of the Board, and has been for the last two years. His term on the Board will be over next year. He has been an incredibly involved and effective president as well as Board member. His work leading us through the strategic planning and the job search, as well as all of the usual Board activities will, I hope, make the upcoming transition smooth and positive. Thanks for the help.

That's all for this issue. I'll get out one last newsletter in December. We a few movies and some fundraising to do between now and then. And, of course, the big reveal. Hope to see you at the theatre in the meantime.

Martin McCaffery Director Capri Theatre